Dispensing device with multiple openings for bottle

ABSTRACT

A flexible, disc shaped dispensing device for a bottle is provided. The dispensing device includes a central riser on the bottom; a plurality of grooves extending from the central riser; a plurality of projecting members on the top; a plurality of outlet openings each communicating one end of the groove and the projecting member; and a central recess with the projecting members formed therearound, the central recess being under the central riser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to bottles and more particularly to such a dispensing device having a plurality of openings for uniformly dispensing liquid, the dispensing device being releasably mounted on top of a bottle.

2. Description of Related Art

Typically, a bottle may have a single opening. However, the rate of discharging liquid contained in the bottle may be low. Alternatively, the bottle may have a plurality of openings. However, the rate of discharging liquid contained in the bottle may be too fast. Both disadvantages may bother a user. Moreover, the top of the bottle having the at least one opening provided therethrough is integrally formed with the bottle. Microorganisms may grow on the bottle top because it is not easy to clean it after use. This is not hygienic. Moreover, the bottle top is not leak proof. In often times, a user may have to clean the spilled liquid after opening the bottle cap. This may further bother the user. Thus, the need for improvement still exists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a flexible, disc shaped dispensing device comprising a central riser on the bottom; a plurality of grooves extending from the central riser; a plurality of projecting members on the top; a plurality of outlet openings each communicating one end of the groove and the projecting member; and a central recess with the projecting members formed therearound, the central recess being under the central riser.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing device according to the invention viewed from top;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dispensing device of FIG. 1 but viewed from bottom;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a bottle incorporating the dispensing device of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the retaining ring removed and liquid contained in the bottle being discharged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dispensing device 10 in accordance with the invention is shown. The dispensing device 10 is shaped as a disc and formed of elastomeric material. The dispensing device 10 comprises a central riser 11 on the bottom, and a plurality of grooves (three are shown) 12 extending from the central riser 11. One of the grooves 12 is formed around the central riser 11 and the remaining two opposite grooves 12 extend from the groove 12 around the central riser 11. Each of the opposite grooves 12 has an outlet opening 13 at an end. The outlet opening 13 communicates with the top of the dispensing device 10. The dispensing device 10 further comprises a plurality of projecting members 14 on the top, one end of the outlet opening 13 terminated on each projecting member 14, and a central recess 15 with the projecting members 14 formed therearound, the central recess 15 being arcuate in shape and directly under the central riser 11.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2, a bottle 20 incorporating the dispensing device 10 is shown. The bottle 20 comprises an internal space 21, a main opening 22 on a top center, the main opening 22 being in communication with the space 21, an upper threaded neck 23, and a stepped shoulder 24 below and adjacent to the neck 23. The bottle 20 further comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

A retaining ring 30 comprises an internal threads 31 threadedly secured to the neck 23 to fasten the edge of the dispensing device 10 when the dispensing device 10 is disposed on the top of the bottle 20. Thus, most portion of the dispensing device 10 (i.e., the portion including the outlet openings 13) are exposed.

A cap 40 comprises a bottom clamping edge 41 and a post 42 extending downward from the center of the underside. The post 42 is lockingly inserted into the central recess 15 when the clamping edge 41 is secured to the shoulder 24 by snapping (i.e., the cap 40 secured to the bottle 20). The central recess 15 is flexibly deformed to press the central riser 11 to sealingly engage with the main opening 22. As a result, liquid contained in the space 21 is prevented from flowing out of the main opening 22.

One of the two opposite grooves 12 has a first branch 121 and the other one of the two opposite grooves 12 has a second branch 122. The outlet opening 13 is provided at end of the first branch 121 (or the second branch 122). A recessed shoulder 16 is formed on the annular edge of the dispensing device 10. The recessed shoulder 16 is clamped by the retaining ring 30 when the retaining ring 30 and the dispensing device 10 are secured together. It is envisaged by the invention that the dispensing device 10 can be detached for cleaning if such need arises.

Advantages and characteristics of the invention are described below. Liquid in the bottle 20 is prevented from being discharged after securing the cap 40 to the bottle 20. The grooves 12 each having an outlet opening 13 can uniformly flow the liquid out of the bottle 20 when the bottle 20 is upside down or inclined. The flexible projecting members 14 can be used as massaging members to rub the skin. The dispensing device 10 can be detached for cleaning after use.

In use, an individual may first remove the cap 40. Next, the individual may incline the bottle 20 to cause liquid (e.g., lotion) therein to uniformly flow out of the outlet openings 13 via the main opening 22 and the grooves 12. Finally, the individual may rub the skin with the projecting members 14 which have the liquid applied thereon.

While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A flexible, disc shaped dispensing device comprising: a central riser on the bottom; a plurality of grooves extending from the central riser; a plurality of projecting members on the top; a plurality of outlet openings each communicating one end of the groove and the projecting member; and a central recess with the projecting members formed therearound, the central recess being under the central riser.
 2. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the central recess is arcuate in shape. 